PNC Bank does offer currency exchange, but only at certain branches and with limits on the currencies they stock

PNC Bank can exchange U.S. dollars for foreign currency at most of its full-service branches, but availability depends on which branch you visit and how much advance notice you give. Not every PNC location keeps foreign cash on hand—smaller branches or those in rural areas may not stock the currency you need. You will need to call ahead or visit in person to confirm they have what you want and to place an order if they do not.

The exchange rate PNC offers is not the same as the mid-market rate you see online. Banks buy and sell currency at a markup, and PNC's rate typically sits 2 to 5 percentage points above or below the real-time market rate, depending on the currency and market conditions. You pay this spread as the cost of getting cash in a physical location without waiting for a wire transfer.

If you need currency urgently or in large amounts, a wire transfer to a foreign bank account may be cheaper than exchanging cash at the branch. If you need cash specifically—because you are traveling and want bills in your pocket—the branch exchange is your direct option, but you should compare the PNC rate against other banks or currency exchange services before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • PNC exchanges currency at full-service branches, but not all locations stock all currencies, so call ahead to confirm availability.
  • You will pay a markup of roughly 2 to 5 percentage points above the mid-market rate, which is the cost of getting physical cash without a wire transfer.
  • Ordering currency in advance is faster and sometimes cheaper than asking for an immediate exchange, especially for less common currencies.
  • For large amounts or transfers to a foreign bank account, a wire transfer through PNC may cost less than exchanging cash at the branch.

Which currencies PNC can exchange and how to order

PNC keeps a standard set of major currencies in stock at most branches: euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, and a handful of others. If you need a less common currency—Thai baht, Polish zloty, or South African rand—the branch will order it for you, but this takes time and may carry a higher fee.

Call your local PNC branch directly and ask the teller or customer service desk whether they have the currency you need in stock. If they do, you can exchange it the same day or the next business day. If they do not, ask how long an order takes—this varies by currency and by how busy the branch is, but typically ranges from three to seven business days. Some branches can order through a central currency desk; others may need to source it from an external vendor, which adds time.

Bring your passport or government-issued ID when you go to exchange currency. PNC is required by federal law to verify your identity for any currency transaction over a certain threshold. Have your cash ready and know roughly how much you need in the foreign currency, because the teller will calculate the exchange based on the rate at the moment of the transaction.

What the exchange will cost you

PNC charges two things for a currency exchange: the markup on the rate itself, and sometimes a flat fee. The markup is built into the rate the teller quotes you—you will not see it as a separate line item. The flat fee, if one applies, ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the currency and the branch, though many routine exchanges (euros, pounds, Canadian dollars) may not carry an additional fee.

To understand what you are paying, ask the teller for the mid-market rate before you exchange. You can look this up on XE.com or OANDA in real time. Then compare it to the rate PNC is offering. If PNC is quoting you 1.10 USD per euro and the mid-market rate is 1.08, you are paying a 2-cent-per-euro spread. On $1,000 worth of euros, that is roughly $20 in markup.

For small amounts—under $500—this markup is often cheaper than using a currency exchange kiosk at an airport, which typically charges 5 to 10 percent. For large amounts or frequent exchanges, the cost adds up, and you may want to explore wire transfers or online currency services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), which charge a lower percentage but require a bank account in the destination country.

Exchanging currency before you travel

If you are leaving for a trip in the next week or two, order your currency now. Waiting until the day before departure means you risk the branch not having stock, and you will pay a rush fee if they have to source it quickly. Ordering three to five business days ahead gives the branch time to get what you need without premium charges.

Bring more cash than you think you need. If you run short while traveling, you can use an ATM abroad to withdraw local currency—most ATMs charge a flat fee of $2 to $5 per withdrawal, which is often cheaper than the markup on a second exchange at PNC. Carrying a backup credit card also protects you if your cash is lost or stolen.

If you are returning home with leftover foreign currency, PNC will exchange it back to dollars at the same markup. This means you lose money twice—once on the way out, once on the way back. For this reason, try to spend down your foreign cash before you leave, or keep small amounts for your next trip rather than exchanging them back immediately.

When a wire transfer is better than exchanging cash

If you are sending money to someone abroad or paying a bill in another country, a wire transfer is usually faster and cheaper than exchanging cash and mailing it. PNC can wire money internationally, and the receiving bank will convert it to local currency on their end. The exchange rate on a wire is typically better than the rate you get at the branch, because the bank is moving electronic funds rather than physical cash.

Wire transfers do carry a fee—PNC charges roughly $15 to $50 depending on the destination country and whether you are sending to a PNC account or another bank. For amounts under $500, this fee may be higher than the markup on a branch exchange. For amounts over $2,000, the wire is usually cheaper overall.

You will need the recipient's bank account number, routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers), and the bank's name and address. The wire typically arrives within one to three business days, though some countries take longer. Ask PNC for the expected delivery time when you initiate the transfer.

Alternatives to PNC for currency exchange

Other banks offer currency exchange too, and rates vary. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all exchange currency at full-service branches, and their markups are similar to PNC's. If you have an account at one of these banks, check their rate before you go to PNC—sometimes one bank will have better stock or a slightly better rate on a specific currency.

Currency exchange kiosks at airports and tourist areas charge higher markups (5 to 10 percent) but offer convenience if you need cash immediately. Use them only if you have no other option.

Online currency services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly are cheaper for large transfers or regular international payments, but they require a bank account in the destination country and take one to three business days. They are not an option if you need physical cash before a trip.

What to do if PNC cannot get the currency you need

If PNC cannot order the currency you need, or if the wait is too long, ask the branch manager for a referral to a currency exchange service. Some cities have independent currency exchanges that specialize in less common currencies and can source them faster than a bank. These services charge a markup too, but they may have better access to certain currencies.

Another option is to withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive at your destination. This avoids the exchange markup at PNC entirely, though you will pay the ATM operator's fee (usually $2 to $5). For most travelers, this is the cheapest route if you can wait until you land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account at PNC to exchange currency?

No. PNC will exchange currency for anyone with a valid government ID, whether or not you have an account. However, account holders may get priority service or slightly better rates at some branches. Call ahead to ask.

How much currency can I exchange at one time?

There is no set limit, but very large exchanges (over $10,000) may require advance notice and additional documentation for anti-money-laundering compliance. Ask your branch what their threshold is.

What if the exchange rate changes between when I order and when I pick up?

The rate is locked in when you pick up the currency, not when you order it. This means if the market rate moves in your favor, you benefit. If it moves against you, you pay the new rate. Ask the branch whether they can lock in a rate in advance for very large orders.

Can I exchange currency online through PNC's website?

No. PNC does not offer online currency exchange. You must visit a branch in person or call to place an order for pickup. Some banks offer online ordering with branch pickup, but PNC's process requires a phone call or in-person visit.

Is it cheaper to exchange at PNC or use a credit card abroad?

For most people, using a credit card abroad is cheaper. Credit card companies charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1 to 3 percent), which is often lower than PNC's markup. Use a credit card for purchases and reserve cash exchanges for situations where you need physical currency and cannot use a card.